KENTUCKY DERBY

The Kentucky Derby is a tradition that takes place on the first Saturday in May.

Its long and storied history brings out a taste for mint juleps, colorful sun hats and a thrill for the race.  The jockeys and horses will prepare for the day at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. The first in the Triple Crown series, The Kentucky Derby will be followed The Preakness Stakes and The Belmont Stakes. While both The Preakness and The Belmont are the older races, The Derby has run continuously since its inception in 1875.

The beautiful horses and the bustling crowds under the spring sunshine make for an exciting day of racing.  Add to the months of training and any money at stake, and the nervous butterflies of the event

KENTUCKY DERBY HISTORY

The Kentucky Derby’s first race took place on May 17, 1875. It was inspired by the Epsom Derby in England attended by the grandson of Meriwether Lewis Clark. In 1872, William Clark traveled to Europe and developed a taste for horseracing after his experiences at the Epsom Derby. Upon returning to the U.S., he pursued creating a Thoroughbred racetrack in Kentucky. In 1875, the Kentucky Derby was born in Louisville and has remained ever since.

HOW TO OBSERVE #KentuckyDerby

The Kentucky Derby is broadcast live, so anyone can enjoy the thrill of the race.  Tune in, or go to the race. Pick your horse and cheer for place, show or win! Use #KentuckyDerby to share on social media.

NATIONAL ATHLETIC TRAINING MONTH

Every March, National Athletic Training Month focuses on the impact Athletic Trainers (ATs) have on the safety and well-being of their clients and patients. All month long, participants celebrate ATs dedication to their profession.

Athletic Trainers offer expert care and are trained, medical professionals. They work in a variety of settings, providing preventative services, rehabilitative, and emergency services.

ATs serve in some of the following settings:

  • clinics/hospitals
  • colleges/universities
  • secondary schools
  • military
  • police force
  • fire departments
  • performing arts

ATs develop programs to prevent injury. They evaluate their patients and ensure they receive necessary screenings. In the event of injury, ATs develop rehabilitation plans designed to return their patient safely to the level of performance before the injury. ATs are also able to asses and refer patients for specialized care.

NATIONAL ATHLETIC TRAINING MONTH HISTORY

National Athletic Trainers Association promotes National Athletic Training Month to spread the importance of ATs and the valuable work they do all over the country. In previous years, the organization has sponsored a theme with the promotion. Past themes have included:

HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalAthleticTrainingMonth

Give an athletic trainer you know a shout out. Thank them for their care, professional knowledge, and support. If you’re an athletic trainer, encourage someone interested in the profession. Attend a career fair and share your experience. Thank someone who supported you in your career path. If you’re interested in becoming an athletic trainer, explore career options and education. Learn more about the profession and where to begin.  Use #NationalAlthleticTrainingMonth to share on social media.

KWANZAA

Kwanzaa is a celebration that honors African heritage in African-American culture. Every year from December 26 – January 1, Kwanzaa brings people together for feasts, gift-giving, and the celebration of family, community and culture.

The name Kwanzaa comes from the phrase “matunda ya kwanza” which means “first fruits” in Swahili. On each of the seven nights of Kwanzaa, families gather and light one of the seven candles on the Kinara, which is a candle holder. Once this is done, one of the seven principles of Nguzo Saba are discussed among the family. These principles are values of African culture.

Believe it or not, Kwanzaa is actually a fairly “new” holiday. It was created by Dr. Maulana Karenga who was a professor and chairman of Black Studies at California State University at the time (1966). Dr. Karenga was looking for a way to bring the African-American community together, so he founded “US,” a cultural organization, and began digging into African harvest celebrations. He then put several of those together, and Kwanzaa was born.

HISTORY

HOW TO OBSERVE

Learn more about Kwanzaa, and partake in the celebrations if you wish! Everyone is encouraged to celebrate. Use #Kwanzaa to post on social media. The holiday is based around these seven principles.

  1. Unity
  2. Self-determination
  3. Collective work and responsibility
  4. Cooperative Economics
  5. Purpose
  6. Creativity
  7. Faith

This month, do your own research on the history and meaning of Kwanzaa to learn more and appreciate the reason it came about in the first place. Whether you are African-American or not, you are encouraged to take part!